Title: A Taste For Monsters
Author: Matthew J. Kirby
Pages: 352
Genre: historical fiction, mystery, lit, YA
Part of a series? No
Published: September 27th, 2016
Evelyn Fallows knows of only one place where she will be safe. Disfigured from her time working in a match factory, no one else will hire her… but at the hospital, surely? She goes to apply to be a probationer. The matron refuses, both due to her age and her looks. There is one position open, though, as a maid to Joseph Merrick- their only live in patient and a man nicknamed The Elephant Man due to his birth defect. Knowing that nothing awaits her outside of the hospital but pain, she accepts.
Over time as she gets to know Joseph, she sees his kindness and beautiful nature. The two grow close. While they are safe in the hospital, though, a madman in loose in London. They call him Leather Apron, and he is killing women. Each woman comes to the hospital as a spirit, haunting Mr. Merrick. When he asks for help, Evelyn doesn’t want to. She can’t go out there! As his health deteriorates due to sleeplessness and worry, Evelyn has to come to terms with her fears. The souls need peace… Joseph needs peace.
So, this book was nothing like I imagined. I thought it would be another gruesome mystery- and it had it’s moments- but there was so much more! The characters were perfection! Mr. Merrick became this beautiful, unique soul. I loved him. The story was fast paced and gorgeously crafted. Yes, there was a mystery- and more than one gruesome exert- but there was also a stunning commentary on how we see each other. I adored this book and recommend it to anyone. Five stars and an extra one for creativity. 
On the adult content scale, there is violence, obviously, along with drinking and some language. None are overbearing though, and so I would still give it a three. 
This book is out now- go get it!
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